Do you notice a streak of red in your spit after brushing? Does it hurt when you brush? Do you often find yourself not smiling for a picture because your gums are too red and swollen?
If even one of the above is true, chances are that your gums are bleeding. While an occasional bleed is not a cause for concern, if your gums are bleeding consistently, it is not something that you should ignore. Gums could bleed due to an infection, pregnancy or simply due to wrong oral hygiene methods. So what could you do if you notice gum bleeding?
1) Use a softer brush:
Using a toothbrush with hard bristles is the most common cause of bleeding gums. We generally think that harder the brush better will be the cleaning. This does not hold true for your teeth. Brushes with hard bristles tend to be rough on our soft tissues and cause irritation and bleeding. Add to that our habit to brush for a long duration. An ideal time for brushing is 2 mins, any more than that and you are harming your teeth. So if you see your gums bleeding, switch to brushes with softer bristles and brush for no longer than 2 mins.
2) Start flossing:
When was the last time you flossed? If you don’t floss regularly, make sure you floss every morning after brushing. Food stuck between the teeth is the main culprit behind the initiation of any infection. This infection in your gums ultimately leads to bleeding. So, it’s important to floss your teeth along with brushing. You might notice mild bleeding initially, go gentle on your teeth and do it slowly. Over time, with regular flossing, your gums would get healthy and stop bleeding.
3) Check your medication:
Some medications can also cause your gums to bleed. If you take aspirin for a heart condition or as pain medication, it thins your blood and can cause an increase in bleeding. Certain over the counter and prescription medications can also cause changes in your gums. Ask your doctor if your medication is meddling with your health. In such cases, your doctor would prescribe you a different dose or medication.
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4) Take wholesome diet:
Does your diet contain all the essential food groups or are you just living on fast foods? Eating healthy is not just good for maintaining weight but also for your teeth. Processed foods containing a high amount of sugar and carbohydrates are detrimental to your oral health. Make sure you involve lots of whole grains, fruits and lots of green leafy vegetables in your diet. Eating healthy would strengthen your entire immune system and maintain your oral health.
5) Visit your dentist:
If you think your gums are bleeding consistently and even after doing everything listed about they won’t stop bleeding, visit your dentist. Your dentist can examine your gums and diagnose the underlying issues. This will help you in getting the right treatment and solving your problem from the root.
Bleeding gums are not a serious issue in most cases, but sometimes you might need professional help to deal with it. If treated properly by the right person, bleeding gums should never be able to stop you from smiling brightly.
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